Mexico Front-of-Package Labeling Requirements

Mexico Front-of-Package Labeling Requirements

In 2014, the Mexican Federal Commission of Sanitary Risk Prevention — the regulating body in Mexico responsible for food safety — published Front-of-Package labeling regulations required for most pre-packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages sold and distributed in Mexico, as part of the government’s strategy to fight obesity. The purpose of Front-of-Package labeling is to clearly and quickly communicate Energy (Calorie) and other key nutrient content through an easy-to-read graphic, allowing consumers to make better food choices.

Per the regulations, the nutrients for Front-of-Package labels must be listed in Spanish and include, in this order:

Saturated fat (Grasa saturada)

Other fats (Otras grasas)

Total sugars (Azucares totales)

Sodium (sodio)

Energy (Energía) – either per serving or per package, or both

Small packages – Energy only Packages that have a single display surface less than 78 sq. cm., or have a front panel with less than 20 sq. cm. display surface, need only declare Energy, and must use the standalone Energy icon.Individual packages This icon set is used for products whose content is smaller than the size of the minimum family reference portion. The five icons represent amounts per package. Examples of foods that use this set of icons include low-calorie drinks and single serving packages.Family packages (per package) This icon set is used for products whose content is equal to or greater than the minimum family reference portion. The first five icons represent amounts per package. The sixth icon lists the calories per portion. It is optional to use this set of icons for products whose content is smaller than the size of the minimum family reference if the product can be clearly divided into individual units. In this instance the sixth icon is optional. Examples of products using this condition include flavored drinks, snacks, chocolates, and confectionery.Family packages (per portion) This icon set is used for products whose content is equal to or greater than the minimum family reference portion. The first five icons represent amounts per portion (eg: piece, household measure). The sixth icon lists the total calories per package. Examples of foods that use this set of icons include fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy products, and biscuits.

How to Create a Front-of-Package Label in Genesis R&D

With your Recipe open, click on Edit Label and select the Mexico label

Click View Label

Select the Front of Package icon from the ribbon

Under Select Format, click the drop-down box to choose from the four available label options

Select the Format you need based on the regulation

Under Options, make label adjustments as needed

Servings per Container: Enter the number of servings per container. For the two family formats, also enter the font, size and style, and set the text for the number of servings

How to get the FOP Energy amount to match the Nutrition Label Energy amount

Calorie values are always rounded to the nearest whole number for Front-of-Package labeling. Calorie values on the Nutrition Facts label, however, depend on whether you choose to use rounding rules, and which ones. As a result, you might notice a discrepancy between the two Calorie values. The regulations say this is OK, but if you would like the Calorie reporting to line up, follow these steps to change the Calorie value on the Nutrition Facts panel: